Summary
- Tesla has launched a range-limited version of Actually Smart Summon in Europe and the Middle East
- Users must be within a 6-meter range of the vehicle to use the feature due to UNECE regulations
- The feature is not available in Canada yet
- The move could represent a step towards launching Supervised Full Self-Driving in these markets
- Former executive pointed out UN regulation delay that could slow down FSD rollout in Europe
Article
Tesla has officially launched a range-limited version of its Actually Smart Summon feature in Europe and the Middle East, a move that has sparked both excitement and criticism. The feature, which was initially launched in the U.S. in September, allows users to summon their vehicles from a short distance away. However, users in Europe and the Middle East must be within a 6-meter range of the vehicle to use the feature, much less than the 213 feet allowed in the U.S. This limitation is due to a regulation set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
The UNECE regulation states that autonomous system operators must remain within 6 meters of their vehicles when operating them autonomously, hence the limited range of Actually Smart Summon in Europe and the Middle East. While some users have expressed frustration with this limitation, others see it as a necessary step in Tesla’s efforts to launch its Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in these markets. The launch of Actually Smart Summon in these regions could be seen as a precursor to the eventual rollout of FSD, which the company has been working towards throughout the year.
Despite the limitations imposed by the UNECE regulation, Tesla is making progress in bringing its advanced autonomous driving systems to markets outside of the U.S. The company has been focusing on launching FSD Supervised in Europe, China, and other markets, with the aim of providing users with a fully autonomous driving experience. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has previously explained that Actually Smart Summon and FSD have separate coding, but both play a crucial role in the company’s overall autonomous driving strategy.
While Tesla continues to work towards the widespread rollout of FSD, regulatory challenges remain a barrier to full implementation. Last month, a former executive from the company pointed out that the United Nations had chosen to delay a regulation that could potentially slow down the deployment of FSD in Europe. Despite these challenges, Tesla remains committed to bringing its advanced autonomous driving features to a global audience and is taking steps to navigate regulatory obstacles in different markets.
Overall, the launch of Actually Smart Summon in Europe and the Middle East represents a milestone for Tesla as it expands the availability of its autonomous driving features to a broader audience. While the limited range may be a point of contention for some users, it is a necessary step in complying with regional regulations and preparing for the rollout of FSD. As Tesla continues to make progress in bringing advanced autonomous driving capabilities to markets around the world, the company remains focused on delivering a safe and reliable driving experience for its users.
Read the full article here